At left is where it all started for a measly $28,000 in the early 70's. We call it a "twin" and with a lot of sweat equity it became an $88,750 sale just three years later. Some twelve or so singles, condominiums, townhomes and sky home later these residences have been a roof over my head and put money in my pocket when providing a peace of mind that's difficult to find elsewhere. Financed, cash, lease purchase, FHA, conventional or owner financed, whatever it took to own it and never pay rent. The rest is history!
If I were to ask my customers from over the years why they wanted to buy a house their answers would be both quite similar while having thousands of variations also. Security is likely their most common thread although the individual situations encompassing each of them ruled their final decision to commit to purchasing. For me it's those variations which continue to make this business attractive, productive and challenging.
As a 3rd generation associate and having bought my 1st home at 17 you could say I didn't even know there was another option available. Everyone in my family owned at least one home. Being single made those choices so much easier in the early years. By the time I was 25 there were four units under my management, life was great.
We also managed apartments with a little under 3,000 doors to look after. You'll get an excellent education about people if you tend to lean toward property management. Experiencing both the landlord and tenant perspectives of owner and renter easily opens your eyes to issues that each face regularly and mainly directed financially. Being a facillitator for both in the role of property manager hones the negotiation skills immeasurably.
There was no luck involved with my initial home purchase. Investment analysis was and always will be how I look at real property whether for myself or the customer. Once it passes muster there we can proceed. Please understand that I do not project what will be only what we have in front of us today value wise. When those numbers make sense to me the trigger can be pulled and let the future bring what it may.
Home ownership to me will always represent independence, security, financial freedom, success, comfort, peace of mind, responsibility, stability and investment for the family! Now take a peak through the living room window of the next roof over our heads. This will be my toughest negotiation ever! Can we agree that our Better Halves have an edge here?
But, but Honey?
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